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It's no secret that November and December can be stressful - both at home and in work - but according to research, today is the day millions of Brits start to feel on the brink of burnout; swamped by a packed festive season, year-end work deadlines, shorter days, and family commitments. A poll of 2,000 adults found 38% – the equivalent of 23.4 million people – reckon the final stretch of the year is the most exhausting of all. And pinpointed between 5th November and 11th December as the 36 day period when mental loads are most overwhelming throughout the year. Nearly three quarters of those who struggle with burnout said it was because of social and festive pressures. While 40% find it difficult managing family stresses such as childcare and family responsibilities, like preparing holiday activities or attending school events. Seasonal fatigue is also taking a toll on relationships, especially for young people, with one in six Millennials) and one in seven Gen Z reporting reduced intimacy with their partners in the run up to the end of the year. Nearly one in 10 of Gen Zs admitted to nodding off on dates and even during sex as their burnout reaches its peak. The research was commissioned by global technology brand OnePlus ahead of the launch of its new AI-powered smartphone, the OnePlus 15 , which has been designed to help users live more efficiently and manage many of their mundane day-to-day tasks. Burnout specialist Dr Claire Ashley said: “Festive burnout has become a modern reality. The combination of high expectations, endless social commitments and pressures at work and at home means many people struggle to truly enjoy the season. “One way to help prevent burnout is by reducing the mental load, which is where technology can play a helpful role.” Despite the pressure, many are actively taking steps to manage their mental burden head on by using AI. Among 25 to 34-year-olds, one in five have turned to AI tools and other tech to stay organised, more than any other generation. However, technology is playing a role in managing stress among the wider population, as 67% of all adults polled said they rely on their phones to feel less overwhelmed. When a quarter start to feel burnt out they find housework and chores pile up and don’t get done. While 23% find it harder to make healthy food choices, and 21% are less likely to stick to a regular sleep routine. What’s more, 13% forgot a social event they were meant to attend, according to the OnePoll.com figures. With 61% finding the number of commitments they have to keep up with simply overwhelming, as 37% don’t have enough downtime left for themselves. Celina Shif, from of OnePlus Europe, said: “The end of the year should be about connection and joy, not chaos “As the UK heads into the most overwhelming part of the year, where work, family and social pressures all collide and it can be very difficult to stay organised and on top of everything.” DR ASHLEY’S FIVE TECHNIQUES TO REDUCE FEELINGS OF STRESS DURING AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR: 1. Delegate the load and declutter your mind - Share responsibilities with others to ensure you’re not the sole “project manager” of the season, and use tools like AI assistants to declutter your mind and stay on top of the to-do list 2. Replace "junk rest" with real recovery - Focus on intentional rest through adequate sleep, nourishing food, limited alcohol, and restorative activities rather than passive distractions like TV or comfort food 3. Build daylight and movement into your day - Prioritise exposure to natural light and daily movement, whether it’s walking, stepping outside at lunch, or using a light therapy lamp 4. Manage stressful family dynamics - Protect your energy by knowing your limits, setting non-negotiables, and using simple strategies like saying no, offering alternatives, or planning your exit 5. Set boundaries at work - Set clear boundaries by pausing before saying yes to extra tasks and offering alternatives to manage your workload effectively
